Skip to main content

Review: Meticulous Jones and the Skull Tattoo

By
By Philippa Leathley
New York: Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, 2025. Fiction. 343 pages.

Life hasn't been the same for Metty (short for Meticulous) since she was fated a year ago. Like all other kids, she got a tattoo on her 10th birthday that will tell her destiny, but unlike most kids, Metty's black skull held by a purple glove seems to have destined her to murder someone with magic. She's content in her boring life, hid away from others who would judge her--or whom she could possibly murder--until her father mysteriously goes missing. She has to travel to New London, a flying city run by magic to figure out who took her father and to confront her fate.

Metty's world of magical ink is immersive and engaging. Paired with a well-paced plot and a character-driven story, this is not a book that is easy to put down once you've started. I loved how the magic and fantasy set up the world, but the plot came to fruition because of issues and questions that are applicable to our world: What happens when one group holds all power? Do we determine our fate or does fate determine who we are? And what does it mean to be alive? These intense issues are cradled in a witty, comedic tone that lightens the heaviness. Overall, this book is a great read for those who want to jump into a fantasy world and ask questions.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

De la hora del cuento: La letra "H"

By
  Cuentos Cuando tu niñera es una bruja Escrito por Ana Siqueira Ilustrado por Irena Freitas New York : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2022. Libro ilustrado. "Si consigues una nueva niñera y ya casi es Halloween, ten cuidado ... ¡porque podría ser una bruja!" --Editor Cuentitos Mi ofrenda Por Mariana Galvez   Los Angeles, California: Little Libros, LLC, 2022. Pequeño libro ilustrado. "Finalmente ha llegado el momento y Amelia necesita tu ayuda para recoger art̕culos para la ofrenda de su familia. A través del uso de colores, este libro de buscar y encontrar les enseñará a sus pequeños el significado especial que tienen los artículos cotidianos durante el Día de Muertos." --Editor Otros libros sobre la letra "H" Hola. ¡Adiós! Hermana pegajosa Hansel y Gretel ¡Hola, Capitán! Nuestras Ancestras: Tejiendo Historias En Mi Huipil
Post a Comment
Read more

If You Like ... Super Silly Read Alouds

By Suzanne
If you like super silly read alouds, these playful picture books are for you! Young readers get to laugh, imagine, and become part of the storytelling fun! From upside-down adventures and magical spells to silly surprises and unexpected telephone calls, each book offers something delightfully different. These books are sure to inspire giggles, curiosity, and plenty of conversation. Pandamonium! Written by Annie Bailey Illusrated by Bonnie Wong New York : Feiwel and Freinds, 2026. When the panda family gathers for a reunion, they attempt to take the perfect family photograph. Despite their best efforts to look their finest and sit still, the little pandas become increasingly wiggly and giggly. Fun panda facts at the end add an educational touch to this playful celebration of family togetherness. I Think We're Upside Down! By Marcus Cutler New York : G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2026. Rabbit and Raccoon discover that something is very wrong with their world. When Raccoon’s new basketball ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Books to Read When... You're Feeling Dreamy

By
As the days get shorter and the nights feel darker, my dreams become more vivid. I love waking up remembering little pieces of the adventures my mind had while I slept. Here are some fanciful picture books to take you to dreamland. If the Moon Written by Matthew Burgess Illustrated by Matthew Forsythe Naperville, IL : Stonefruit Studio, an imprint of Sourcebooks, 2026. Picture book. This lyrical bedtime picture book explores possibility and imagination through dreams. A little child transports and transforms between inner worlds (and outer space!) while falling asleep. White pages, variegated blacks, and blurry, cozy colors play together as the liminal spaces between waking and dreaming.  Mr. Lepron's Mystery Soup Written by Giovanna Zoboli Illustrated by Mariachiara di Giorgio Translated from Italian by Denise Muir Somerville, Massachusetts : Candlewick Studio, an imprint of Candlewick Press, 2024. Picture book. Mr. Lepron's homemade vegetable soup is so extraordinary that he ...
Post a Comment
Read more